My Dear Children, Sisters and Brothers,
Hope you are familiar with the picture of Jesus carrying a sheep on his shoulder. Jesus said, "I am the Good shepherd." Who is a Good shepherd? The concept of 'shepherd' was very familiar to the apostles and the followers. "A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11). The shepherd is the provider and protector of his flock. The sheep are helpless without him. Psalm 23 very well explains the role of the good shepherd. The Savior used the image of the shepherd laying down his life for his sheep to reveal His love for us. In reality it is absurd for a human being to give his own life to save an animal's. If it is absurd for a human to trade his life for an animal's, think about what it would mean for God to trade His life for a human being.
In today’s world the term 'sacrifice' is unacceptable. No political leader dare breathe that word, lest he or she loses the next election. No media star or technological CEO dares mention this concept, lest they be called a "hypocrite." In these days of the hyper-economy and the "ME!" culture, the notion of giving up a desire or putting off pleasure for the good of others is "verboten." Self-indulgence, not self-giving, is society's keyword.
Jesus contrasts a good shepherd with a hired hand, who, when danger appears in the form of thieves or wolves, immediately flees and allows the sheep to be stolen, harmed or killed. Jesus tells us that there will be those who will try to influence our life, but who do not have our welfare in mind. A man in Australia was arrested and charged with stealing a sheep. But he claimed emphatically that it was one of his own that had been missing for many days. When the case went to court, the judge was puzzled, not knowing how to decide the matter. At last he asked that the sheep be brought into the courtroom. Then he ordered the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep made no response except to raise its head and look frightened. The judge then instructed the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep. When the accused man began to make his distinctive call, the sheep bounded toward the door. It was obvious that he recognized the familiar voice of his master. "His sheep knows him, case dismissed." said the judge. A good shepherd cares for the sheep. Do you realize you are a priority in God’s busy schedule? He has the whole universe to run, but He makes the time to care for you. Even our smallest needs will get His attention. My friends, is Jesus your shepherd? Is He truly the center of all our activities? Jesus tells, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). Let us open the door for Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
Fr. Ligory Johnson Philips
Vicar
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